Genmitsu 3018-PROVer V2 CNC Router Machine with Full Aluminum Structure for Beginner, Mini Milling Engraver Kit with Z-Probe, Limit Switches, E-Stop, Ideal for Wood, Acrylic, MDF, Plastic, PVC

I bought the SainSmart Genmitsu 3018-PROVer after lots of research, because it had a number of safety features (end stops, emergency stop), the off line controller and Sain(t)Smart was proud of their support. Spending this sort of money, you don't want it standing on the shelf because something isn't quite right...I bought also the enclosure Genmitsu Acrylic CNC Enclosure - Enhanced Protection, Dustproof, Noise Reduction, the laser unit (not yet tried) and a few bits.Putting it together was quite straight forward with the help of the manual. There are also quite a few videos on the web explaining the process.The tricky bit is to work with it, as little errors will upset the process. The worst so far is that I broke a bit as the speed of the spindle wasn't quite right. The machine is not intelligent, so if you give the wrong instructions, it will do the wrong actions...Support of SainSmart is brilliant, quick, helpful and patient. There is also a user group - although it is on Facebook :-( - and loads of good material available on the web.I've 'designed' my first item (a box) on fusion 360 and now up to a more sophisticated model...

It is a very nice design, easy to put together, all be it in more time than claimed, about 2 hours. I am attempting to use it to make prototype PCBs. Still learning the best configuration for this, but it looks promising. I had reason to contact the supplier regarding some of the details of the use of the stand alone control box. They proved very helpful, providing a very quick response. My CNC is now working using the free software tool set that can be down loaded from the internet: DesignSpark, FlatCAM and Candle. The first two design tools are being run on a windows 7 PC, while the CNC is being controlled from a PC running Linux Mint, though this could be all done on a windows PC.During my Email conversation with SainSmart, I have made some suggestions for the improvement to the machine's design, that they are now thinking of implementing. The improvements is fitting a slide plug socket connection box to the front of the unit, to bring out the z-probe connections. This box is fitted with an LED indicator, to show that the z-probe is working. The box attaches using the existing threaded holes in the case and the wire is run along with the other sensor cables. The box connections allow the user to plug in the z-probe puck or a crocodile clip and ground return for z-probing mapping of the PCB surface.My CNC recently developed a fault, which I reported to SainSmart under its guarantee scheme.I have been very pleasantly surprised with the speed, courtesy and and friendly customer technical support. Having emailed proof of purchase and pictures/video of the nature of the fault, involving an email dialogue with a SainSmart support engineer . A replacement part is being sent to me from China at no cost to me. If only other companies provided this level of customer service.

The frame parts are good quality but it is let down by the electronics. The controller is a pain in the ... to use, much better off connecting it to a pc and controlling it that way. The power supply quality is poor, was having projects freeze up continuously. After days worth of troubleshooting figured out the issue was the power supply. After some research it seems to be a common issue with poor or inadequate.Edit. The seller made contact with me with regards to the power supply issue. There was an Initial batch that had problematic power supply’s. They have since fully refunded me for the power supply I purchased to rectify the issues I was having. The customer service from seller is great and appreciate the honesty from them. I therefore added another star to my review :)

Excellent product and support.I purchased the 3018-Prover with the expanded bed.However, when putting it together I couldn’t get the coupling between the motor and rod apart.I quick email to SainSmart and a new motor and coupling were on their way to me.After 6 months of happy burning and routering, I had an issue with the laser not coming on.Again, another email and a new laser arrived.Happy boy, up and running again.And finally, within the last 3 weeks.The laser would not come on again and the router would not spin up.I contacted SainSmart again and a new Laser control board was dispatched and arrived.Unfortunately, this did not sort the issue, so a new Main Circuit board was sent out.Duly arrived, fitted and all working again.So, in balance, yes I have had issues. You will do with all products.But it’s how you deal with it that counts.I cannot fault the quality of the kit and the excellent after sales service.Everything has been sorted straight away with no issues whatsoever and without question.So therefore still 10 out of 10 for the product and service and if I upgrade to a bigger machine, I know where I will get it from.Thanks again for the service guys.

Firstly, the 15 mins set up! Put aside 90 mins, that said very easy with clear instructions. Other than that an amazing little machine to explore CNC and Gcode.